There is no question that today, politics is constantly, and rather painfully, "in your face." The silver lining? Politics has got our attention now. It isn't all bad new though - ok a lot of it is pretty bad - but the good should be highlighted too. We don't often think of politics as it relates to health, and perhaps we should. Some might argue that lawmakers should have nothing to do with our choices of foods. Big industries (i.e. animal agriculture), government subsidies, and a general public lacking knowledge, create an awful lot of bad choices. So what does this have to do with heart disease being the #1 killer in the United States, representing 33% of all deaths in 2017, or claiming 800,000 American's lives? Simply, everything.
Here in our home-borough of Brooklyn, New York, our very own Borough President Eric Adams fell victim to the same poor diet choices that led him directly to the disease-list of killers that are hallmarks of the western diet - heart disease, hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes type II. The signs of disease for Adams began in 2016, when he started to lose his vision, had developed ulcers in his stomach, and nerve damage as he began losing sensation in his legs. Like most people, when his symptoms began to have physical manifestations, Adams when to the doctor. And also like most people, when Adams when to the doctor, the doctor (5 doctors in his case) told him that he would immediately need to begin a panel of drugs and take them for the rest of his life. Unlike most people, Adams took a hard look in the mirror and determined he would not settle for a life dependent on drugs, and would instead seek other solutions. So what did Adams do? He researched online about reversing heart disease, and found the Whole Foods Plant Based diet. And then, everything changed.
Fast-forward to today, and Eric Adams is not only a huge advocate of the Whole Foods Planted Based diet, but he's also an animal rights advocate. We are lucky to have an inspirational Borough President who practices what he preaches. By treating himself with the best quality foods, Adams is a living breathing proof that the Whole Foods Plant Based diet is a pathway to a higher consciousness. While Adams uses his power in politics to promote the healthfulness of his citizens, it is our responsibility to recognize that our choices are votes, and our votes count not only in poll booths, but at grocery stores and in our homes too.
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams
Cardiologist Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn
Dr. Greger’s website is filled with all the plant-based Nutrition Factsyou need to know!
Facts about heart disease from The American College of Cardiology
Fantastic interviews by Rich Roll with Dr. Kim Williams and on heart disease
Other episodes you might enjoy: TPP 020 our interview with Marc Wood (plant-based health coach) and TPP 017 our reflection episode all about reaching goals.
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